Roy Gillian, founder of Ocean City Wonderland Pier, has died. What he meant to Jersey shore

Just one week after the announced closure of the Wonderland Pier, Ocean City and the Gillian family faced another loss: Roy Gillian, Wonderland's founder and a decades-long familiar, friendly face in the seaside city.

Gillian, 94, died on Aug. 17 at his home. While born in Havertown, Pennsylvania, Gillian was perhaps most well known as a face of Ocean City family fun when he founded Wonderland Pier in 1965.

Wonderland announced the upcoming closure of its decades-old attraction on Aug. 9.

However, the Gillian family has been in the amusement business for 94 years, beginning with the Fun Deck amusement park, founded in 1930 by Gillian's father, David, according to the obituary provided by the Godfrey Funeral Home.

In addition to creating a mainstay for vacation memories at the Jersey shore, Gillian served many different roles in Ocean City politics.

Gillian served as an Ocean City commissioner from 1963-1967, Cape May County Freeholder from 1971-1976, Commissioner of Cape May County Municipal Utilities from 1982-1986 and, of course, Mayor of Ocean City from 1986-90.

Now, his son, Jay Gillian, is mayor.

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Gillian is remembered as having a passion for Wonderland and the amusement industry, being a past president and board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. He was also a member of the New Jersey Amusement Ride Safety Board.

Support for the Gillian family poured out from Ocean City locals and vacationers alike after the announcement of Roy Gillian's death.

"R.I.P to the man who made a HUGE impact at OCNJ. Not only did you give happiness and joy to families but you helped people make memories that last forever. Sending my love and prayers to the family," Kalli Miller wrote on Gillian's tribute wall.

"My greatest respect for you and your family- I enjoyed my youth working at what you created with Wonderland. Thank you for the wonderful memories," said Charles "Chuck" Wilkinson.

Gillian's visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., Ocean City, from noon until 2 p.m. with a Masonic service at 1:45 p.m. followed by a Christian service at 2 p.m.

A burial with Military Honors will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo.

Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point, 08244.

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Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Roy Gillian, founder of Ocean City Wonderland Pier, has died. What he meant to Jersey shore